Definitely don’t focus on Irvine if you want really good food.
San Shi go - sushi in Newport Beach, the agedashi tofu is to die for and the fresh nirigi sushi are great too
Hen house - Mediterranean kebabs. Definitely get their rotisserie chickens and kebabs. They don’t come with hummus which…
I'm seeing not seeing Chinese restaurants so here are mine:
• Tasty Noodle House in Irvine for Shanghai style noodle shop
• Min Chef in Tustin for Beijing comfort food
• Seven Grams in Tustin for hand pulled noodle and dumplings